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Signal Transduction Mechanisms – Post a response answering the following:
- Explain the difference between ion channels and G proteins as they relate to signal transduction and targets of medications.
- How would you answer the following patient question:
- My grandmother has a mental illness. I have the same genes as her. Will I also get the same mental illness?
Note: Your response needs to be supported and validated by three (3) scholarly peer-reviewed resources located outside of your course Learning Resources.
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Signal Transduction Mechanisms – Understanding Ion Channels vs. G Proteins in Signal Transduction and Medication Targets
Ion Channels and Signal Transduction
Ion channels are integral membrane proteins that allow specific ions to pass through the cell membrane in response to various stimuli, such as voltage changes, ligand binding, or mechanical stress. These channels are critical for rapid signal transduction and play a crucial role in maintaining the cell’s electrical balance and responding to external signals. For instance, voltage-gated sodium channels are essential for action potentials in neurons, while ligand-gated ion channels like the NMDA receptor are involved in neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity (Yoshii et al., 2013).
G Proteins and Signal Transduction
Signal Transduction Mechanisms – G proteins, or guanine nucleotide-binding proteins, are involved in signal transduction pathways that are typically slower and more complex compared to those mediated by ion channels. They act as intermediaries between G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and various intracellular effectors. When a ligand binds to a GPCR, it activates the G protein by promoting the exchange of GDP for GTP. The activated G protein then dissociates into its α and βγ subunits, which can modulate the activity of enzymes like adenylate cyclase or phospholipase C, leading to the generation of secondary messengers such as…